We were hit with the first major storm of the season... As it turns out, we are now naming our major winter storms now as well... So Caeser it is!

Phase 1 of the cleanup was Sunday morning around 9AM. There was a solid 4-6" by then, but Sylvia was up for playing in the snow, so I attacked the driveway with a shovel. Sylvia was also proud of her shoveling - and to be honest, it was much improved over last year.

Brief intermission for snow angels!

After lunch, a haircut for Sylvia, and a run to the grocery store, it was back outside for more fun in the snow. This time little sister joined in the fun.

Sledding does not work very well in 12" of powder...

Still snowing...

One more time cleaning the driveway - this time with the snow blower - was finished around 7PM. This morning we woke up to a drift at the end of the driveway from the snowplow and another 1-2 inches on the driveway.

Besides the five+ hours spent in the car today back and forth to Hutchinson, we really enjoyed this first storm of the season... especially when I get home to Sylvia waiting in her room, not being able to fall asleep until we have "story time".

Tonight's story was about her stuffed deer "Snowflake". She had informed be that Snowflake lives with Santa and Rudolph doesn't live with Santa anymore. When I asked her why Rudolph doesn't live with Santa anymore, the response was quick and direct... "Rudolph had to move because he was afraid of the adorable snowman!" Translation of adorable is abominable... I like her version better! Hopefully she isn't having nightmares about that crazy looking thing!

Per normal, when the camera comes out, Sylvia turns into a completely different person. Yesterday was Halloween and two minutes prior she was running around excited to get outside for trick or treating...

Picture time - not so much fun!

Violet on the other hand was just enjoying life. Super Violet enjoyed climbing on the pumpkin - without falling down!

For whatever reason, Sylvia then decided to smile and we did get at least one good picture!

Super Violet in full costume... Her first treat was a pack of Play-doh. (The measuring spoons were from home)

Trick or Treat at Mark and Terri's house... mmm more candy!

A couple more houses and we were done. Each year we get more and more excited about Halloween, but when it comes to going up to doors, we are still slightly scared. Maybe next year, Violet will take the charge!

Last weekend Grandpa and Grandma came down to Woodbury to spend some time with the girls. While we didn't have any concrete plans for the day, we figured checking out the Big Truck Day at Central Park would be an interesting experience.

Sylvia of course had to take advantage of Grandpa's shoulders!

Violet was all smiles when sitting in the big tractor tire

Sylvia and Simba also enjoyed the seat.

While we hope there is some time prior to the snowfall, Violet was minuscule next to this snow plow.

The rest of the day was spent enjoying the beautiful fall day. Thanks Grandpa and Grandma!

The doctors noted that there is absolutely nothing to worry about with were Violet is at in these tests. I found it interesting to note that she did the best on the first set of tests (cognitive) and as the day went on, here scores got worse - I have to think the length of the test had something to do with this...

BMI - Really?!?!? Is this really needed for a four year old? Maybe I am just sensitive about this measurement as I am considered "obese". While I am not the most fit guy in the world, I don't feel that I am obese. But enough about me!

Back to Sylvia. She started Pre-K at Peace of Mind this week. Not a huge change for us, but two new teachers and a new morning routine. We go to the gym every morning instead of directly to the classroom. Sylvia is still getting used to this new schedule, but she does get to see more of her friends, Ingrid and Ingrid.

This past weekend we moved a large play structure / swing set from a friends house to our home. It took about 15 hours and three trips to Home Depot to complete the trip, but watching the girls play on it was definitely worth the work.

A new yogurt shop opened up in Woodbury a couple months ago. We finally had a chance to check it out. Cherry Berry lets you pick the flavor of yogurt and all the yummy toppings that you could ever imagine.

As you could imagine Sylvia loves this place!

It has become our new post hair-cut place to go - but only if Sylvia is nice for the hair stylist!

The best part of Cherry Berry is that Auntie Leah works at the one on the west side, so she hooked us up with some sweet coupons as well! Thanks Auntie!

When you have a preemie, there are a couple things the doctors always refer to your child as. First, their birth age. In Violet's case, she is called a "thirty-weeker". The second is their corrected age. Well, today marks Violet 1st (corrected) Birthday.

In honor of Violet's 1st corrected birthday, we had some fun at the park with Auntie Missy. To be honest, it really had nothing to do with Violet's B-day, but more as an excuse for Auntie to play with the girls, and of course, take some fantastic pictures. Enjoy!

She sure doesn't seem like a preemie anymore... I guess we will see if she is still "on track" with her upcoming checkup at Children's.